Language Requirements for Germany Higher Study

Language Requirements for Germany Higher Study

German universities and institutes teach in English (for many programs) and require proof of language proficiency for admission. Requirements vary by institution and program, but the guidelines below cover what most students need to know.

Why It Matters

• Meet admission and visa conditions
• Succeed in lectures, labs, seminars, and assessments
• Communicate effectively in group projects and internships

Accepted English Tests

Most German universities accept:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic (Pearson)
• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency)
• OET (for health-related programs)
• Duolingo English Test (DET) (accepted by some institutions; check your course page)

Always confirm the exact tests accepted by your chosen university and program.

Typical Minimum Scores (Guide)

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5
• TOEFL iBT: Around 80–90 total; writing often 20+
• PTE Academic: Around 50–58 overall; no skill below 50
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169+ (no skill below 162)

Postgraduate Taught (Master’s)

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: Around 90–100 total; writing often 20–22+
• PTE Academic: Around 58–64 overall; no skill below 58
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 176+ (no skill below 169)

Research Master’s/PhD

Usually similar to taught master’s (often IELTS 6.5, no band < 6.0), but check your faculty/supervisor.

Programs with Higher Requirements

Fields like:

• Nursing, Medicine, Teaching, Law, Speech/Language Therapy

Often require IELTS 7.0 (6.5–7.0 in each band) or OET Grade B in all sub-tests.

Foundation/Pathway Programs

If you haven’t yet met direct entry, many providers offer:

• Foundation or International Year One: often IELTS 5.0–5.5
• Pre-sessional EAP (English for Academic Purposes): length depends on current score

Successful completion can lead to progression into your degree.

EAP and University Pathways

Many German universities accept their own English pathway programs or language preparatory courses with a required exit grade instead of an external test.

Waivers and Exemptions

Some universities may waive English tests if you:

• Completed recent study in a recognized English-speaking country (e.g., USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland)
• Hold certain qualifications (e.g., IB with English, A-Levels with strong English results)
• Completed a prior degree with English as the medium of instruction (MOI) — note: this is not universally accepted and is less common in Germany.

Check your course page; waivers are case-by-case.

Test Validity and Timing

• Most English test results are valid for 2 years
• Take the test well before application deadlines
• If close to the minimum, consider booking a pre-sessional EAP or retake to improve subscores (especially writing)

Submitting Your Scores

• Send official reports directly from the test provider where possible
• Ensure your name, DOB, and test date match application details
• Keep a copy for visa and enrollment purposes

Visa and Immigration Notes

For a Student Visa (Germany):

• German student visa generally relies on university admission, which includes meeting the English or German language requirement.
• If you are enrolled in an English-taught program, proof of English is mandatory for admission (and thus for visa).
• If enrolled in a German-taught program, German language proficiency (TestDaF, DSH, Goethe) will be required instead.

Always review the latest guidance on the German Embassy website and your university’s offer letter.

Tips to Meet the Requirement

• Focus on the band that’s lowest (often writing); targeted practice lifts overall eligibility
• Use official practice materials and take mock tests
• Consider a short EAP course to boost academic writing, referencing, and presentation skills
• Aim to score above the minimum to strengthen scholarship chances

Popular Universities’ Approaches (General Trend)

• German universities commonly require IELTS 6.0 (UG) / 6.5 (PG) as a baseline
• Higher thresholds for health, education, and law programs

Always check the exact requirement on the program page.

Study in Germany BD – Language Support for Your Application

We help you meet and evidence your English requirements:

• Test selection (IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Cambridge vs DET)
• Score strategy and prep resources
• EAP and foundation pathway guidance
• Document submission and matching timelines with application/visa
• Conditional to unconditional offer planning

Ready to confirm your eligibility?
Contact us for a quick profile review and a tailored language pathway to your Germany study goals.